Explosions
hit Tehran and other cities as US and Israel confirm major military action
targeting Iran’s nuclear programme and regional threats.
Smoke visible over central Tehran after reported joint US–Israel strikes
Tehran,
Iran.— Explosions were reported across Iran on Saturday morning after the
United States and Israel confirmed coordinated military strikes. Iranian
state-linked media said blasts were heard in Tehran and several other major
cities, while US President Donald Trump described the action as “major combat
operations.” The escalation follows weeks of heightened tensions over Iran’s
nuclear programme and regional security concerns, raising fears of a broader
Middle East conflict.
Explosions
Reported Across Tehran and Key Cities
Shortly
after 09:30 local time (06:00 GMT), Iranian outlets reported multiple
explosions in the capital, Tehran. Images circulated by international media
showed smoke rising near central landmarks including Jomhouri Square and Hassan
Abad Square.
Additional
blasts were reported in several cities including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and
Kermanshah. Authorities have not released confirmed casualty figures, and
independent verification remains limited as communication channels within the
country face restrictions.
Iran’s
airspace was closed following the attacks, according to reports carried by the
Tasnim News Agency. Civil aviation tracking data indicated a rapid diversion or
cancellation of flights in the region as the situation developed.
The full
scope of the damage remains unclear. Iranian officials have not yet provided a
comprehensive assessment of infrastructure impact or potential military targets
involved. The situation is considered fluid, with information evolving as
government and military sources release updates.
US
President Donald Trump Confirms Military Operations
Donald
Trump confirmed US involvement through a video statement, describing the
strikes as “massive and ongoing.” He stated that the objective was to eliminate
what he called imminent threats posed by the Iranian government and to prevent
Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“Our
objective is to defend the American people,” he said, adding that Washington’s
aim was to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump
also issued a message directed at the Iranian population, urging civilians to
remain sheltered. He framed the operation as an opportunity for political
change inside Iran, though no formal US policy shift regarding regime change
has been officially documented in accompanying government releases.
The White
House has not yet detailed the scale of US military assets deployed or
confirmed whether ground forces are involved. Defence analysts note that such
operations typically involve precision airstrikes, naval assets and missile systems,
but official confirmation of operational specifics has not been released.
Israel
Describes Action as Pre-Emptive Strike
Benjamin
Netanyahu echoed Washington’s position, describing the joint action as
necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities. He reiterated
that Iran “must not be armed with nuclear weapons” and urged Iranian citizens
to “throw off the yoke of tyranny.”
Earlier,
Israel’s defence minister declared a “special and permanent state of emergency”
across Israel. Civil defence guidelines were issued nationwide, restricting
gatherings and non-essential activities. Schools and workplaces were advised to
remain closed unless critical.
Israeli
authorities also closed national airspace to civilian flights. The country’s
military stated it had identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli
territory and was working to intercept them.
Explosions
were reported in the northern city of Haifa, though it remains unclear whether
these were impacts or interceptions by missile defence systems. No official
casualty report has been released by Israeli authorities at the time of
publication.
Iranian
Response and Regional Spillover
Iran has
not yet issued a full military statement detailing retaliation plans. However,
regional developments indicate a widening security impact.
Bahrain’s
state news agency reported that facilities connected to the US Navy’s Fifth
Fleet were subjected to missile activity. Emergency sirens were activated, and
residents were advised to seek shelter.
In Qatar,
authorities reported that defence systems successfully countered attempted
attacks targeting the country’s territory. Explosions were heard in Doha, which
hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the
region.
Several
Gulf states activated emergency protocols. The situation underscores the
interconnected security framework across the Middle East, where US military
infrastructure is spread across allied countries.
It
remains unclear whether Iranian-backed regional groups are involved in the
response. No formal claim of responsibility has been issued beyond state-level
military exchanges.
Aviation
Disruptions Across the Middle East
The
military escalation has triggered widespread travel disruption. Major airlines
have suspended or rerouted flights across parts of the Middle East.
Lufthansa
announced it would suspend flights to and from Dubai, as well as to capitals
including Tel Aviv, Beirut and Muscat through early March.
Wizz Air
halted services to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until 7 March. Virgin
Atlantic confirmed it would avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled a London–Dubai
service.
Kuwait’s
civil aviation authority suspended flights to Iran until further notice. Iraq
and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace, while the United Arab Emirates
announced a partial precautionary closure.
Airlines
cited safety considerations amid rapidly changing military activity. Aviation
analysts warn that extended closures could significantly disrupt international
travel and cargo supply chains.
Nuclear
Tensions at the Core of the Conflict
The joint
action follows weeks of diplomatic strain over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Western governments have long expressed concern that Iran’s uranium enrichment
activities could shorten the timeline to potential weapons capability.
Iran has
consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes,
including energy production and medical research. International negotiations aimed
at restoring or revising earlier nuclear agreements have faced repeated
setbacks.
US
officials have framed the current operation as necessary to neutralize imminent
risks. However, detailed evidence underpinning that assessment has not been
publicly released.
Security
experts caution that military strikes could complicate diplomatic pathways.
Regional stability may hinge on whether further escalation occurs or if
indirect negotiations resume in the aftermath of the strikes.
International
Reaction and Global Implications
Governments
worldwide are monitoring developments closely. The UK Foreign Office updated
travel guidance across multiple Middle Eastern countries, advising travellers
to remain vigilant and follow local authority instructions.
Energy markets
are also sensitive to developments. The Middle East accounts for a significant
share of global oil supply, and any disruption to shipping routes or
infrastructure could influence prices.
Diplomatic
observers note that the coming days will be critical in determining whether the
conflict remains limited or expands. The involvement of both the United States
and Israel marks a significant escalation compared with previous isolated
exchanges.
At this
stage, confirmed facts include reported explosions in Iran, formal
acknowledgement of US military participation, Israeli emergency measures, and
regional defensive responses. Casualty numbers, infrastructure damage
assessments and long-term strategic outcomes remain unconfirmed.
The situation continues to evolve.
By Daniel
Harrington | CRNTimes.com | London